Toothache is a common dental problem that affects almost everyone at some stage in their lives. Did you know that 1 in every 5 Australians aged 15 and above suffered from toothache in the last twelve months? Unfortunately, a severe or long-term toothache can significantly affect one’s quality of life. But the good news is that toothache is treatable and preventable. However, to treat dental pain, one must first understand the various causes of tooth pain.
What Causes Toothache?
Toothache can be caused due to various reasons. Some of these are:
1) Tooth Decay :
resulting in the exposure of the sensitive pulp tissue, which contains a rich nerve supply
2) Dental Injury :
An injury to the tooth or gums can cause significant, especially in the case of a deep tooth fracture exposing the pulp.
3) Loose Filling :
A loose or improperly placed restoration can promote further tooth decay around it, resulting in pain and swelling.
4) Gum Recession :
This occurs as a result of an underlying periodontal infection. The harmful bacteria inside the plaque and tartar release toxins that irritate the gums, causing them to move away from their position, downwards towards the roots. This results in the exposure of the underlying roots, making them sensitive.
5) Pulp Inflammation :
This occurs due to the inflammation of the dental pulp’s exposure caused by a tooth cavity or trauma. When the pulp becomes inflamed, it causes severe pain and swelling. This situation is treated by performing a root canal procedure.
6) Tooth Sensitivity :
Teeth can become sensitive become of chemical erosion of the enamel due to excessive intake of acidic foods or drinks or the use of very heavy forces while brushing. Such teeth become painful whenever one takes hot or cold foods or beverages.
How to Prevent Toothache?
The most common cause of toothache is a dental infection or tooth decay caused by poor oral hygiene maintenance. So, the first step in preventing toothache is brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing at least once daily. Another reason for toothache is dental injuries. Although not all dental injuries can be prevented, we can minimize them by taking precautions. For example, we must ask our children to wear mouthguards while playing contact sports.
So, it all comes down to prevention and precaution. Despite this, if you or a loved one is having a severe toothache, it should never be taken lightly as it may indicate something serious. Instead, you should call us immediately so that we treat it without delay.